...a photoBook is an autonomous art form, comparable with a piece of sculpture, a play or a film. The photographs lose their own photographic character as things 'in themselves' and become parts, translated into printing ink, of a dramatic event called a book...
- Dutch photography critic Ralph Prins

zaterdag 9 april 2016

Taking Offis the factual image story of a failed marriage. Replete with the sexual frustrations and voyeurism that characterised the relationship, the exhibition introduces us to Henry’s obsessions with photography. His wife, Martha, has lived under his yoke for years, heedlessly posing for his extravagant nude studies. Mariken Wessels (NL, °1963) acquired the complete private collection through acquaintances in the United States.

Wessels set about reconstructing Henry’s marriage, work and life. Taking Off depicts the various stages in his obsession. She takes as her point of departure some 5,500 black-and-white nudes, dozens of collages and several clay figurines. Taking Off takes us on a journey into the secretive, private world of Henry and his muse. Wessels becomes their confidant. She presents their story as an artistic plea for the recognition of Martha’s courage in exposing her husband’s creative madness.